Pittsburgh Steelers post-draft 53-man roster projection

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6)

Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Chris Wormley, Tyson Alualu, and Carlos Davis

Outside Linebacker (4)

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cassius Marsh, and Quincy Roche

Inside Linebacker (5)

Devin Bush, Vince Williams, Robert Spillane, Buddy Johnson, and Marcus Allen

Cornerback (6)

Joe Haden, Cam Sutton, Justin Layne, James Pierre, Tre Norwood, and Mark Gilbert

Safety (4)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Miles Killebrew, and Lamont Wade

The defense lost some pieces during the offseason but they will still be one of the best in the NFL. They will have a great pass rush and depth across their front seven. The secondary at the corner positions could become an issue if certain players do not live up to their billing. Cam Sutton is promising and he will be the starting outside corner opposite of Joe Haden but he will have to continuously prove himself every week. The nickel corner spot is where the biggest question mark will persist.

The Steelers did not address the corner position until the seventh round of the draft and they also added additional players in the undrafted market. This team must be very high on James Pierre and he could be a solid player but he has not proven his starting capabilities in the NFL yet. The battle for this starting spot in camp is going to be very important for this defense going forward.

Special Teams are going to be another major component as to what players make the team going forward. A player like Lamont Wade just seems like he will be a great player in that third phase of football. Tre Norwood could struggle there but should be able to show his abilities on defense to stick when those final roster cuts come in. Mark Gilbert makes the team as he was a special talent before injuries hindered his college career. If he could return to form then he could find some significant playing time on this defense.